Equestrian camping near Grantsburg, Illinois offers access to Shawnee National Forest's varied terrain and 80 miles of riding trails. The region sits at approximately 400-600 feet above sea level, featuring a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons. Temperatures range from 20-40°F in winter to 85-95°F during summer months, with spring and fall providing moderate conditions most suitable for extended trail rides.
What to do
Explore forest trails year-round: The campgrounds near Grantsburg connect to Shawnee National Forest's extensive trail system. At Shawnee Forest Campground, campers appreciate the "paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs" and note that the campground was "built on an Old Golf Course" with "the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths!"
Fish in stocked ponds: Several campgrounds maintain fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. Shawnee Forest Campground features "a small lake and two ponds for fishing" while Giant City State Park Campground has "a nice trail across from the primitive camping site which also has a pond for fishing as well."
Visit nearby attractions: The region offers access to unique geological features within short driving distance. One visitor at Ferne Clyffe State Park noted it's "close to parks & food" and provides "great covered spots, trails to and from the campground all across the park, great personnel, accessibility throughout the park, scenic locations within a mile walk from the campground (Ferne Clyffe Waterfall)."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the Grantsburg area typically offer clean bathrooms and shower facilities. Visitors to Giant City State Park Campground report "bathrooms and shower house were all clean" and the park has "both electric sites for campers and primitive sites for tents. All are shaded and quiet. Showers/bathrooms are really nice and clean."
Convenient location: The area provides easy access from major highways without sacrificing natural surroundings. Dutchman Lake Camp is described as "a great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing," while another reviewer noted it's a "beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too."
Spacious campsites: Horse-friendly campgrounds offer ample room for trailers and equipment. Little Lusk Trail Lodge & Campground is called "the most Spacious and beautiful equestrian campground in southern IL" where "campsites are spacious and can accommodate very large rigs. High lines behind sites."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly throughout the year. At Ferne Clyffe, campers note "fireflies in the forest were magnificent" during summer evenings, while others mention the need to "check seasonal trail conditions before planning extended trips."
Reservation recommendations: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At The Art Farm Women's Retreat, campers find "lots of choice camping spots" but note the limited hookup availability: "There is 1 30 amp hookup, and 1 50 amp hookup."
Site selection matters: Not all sites within a campground offer the same quality or amenities. At Shawnee Forest Campground, a camper advised "there are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones even though there were plenty of sites open in the upper 26-50 site area. If we come back, we'll know where to ask for a site."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shaded sites: The summer heat can be intense in southern Illinois. Giant City State Park Campground offers sites that are "flat and most are pull through" with "plenty of trees for shade."
Plan short hikes: Several parks offer family-friendly walking trails. Ferne Clyffe provides "a short trail leads from campground to the limestone cliffs" and there are "hiking trails right from the campground."
Consider amenities access: Bathrooms and water availability vary between campgrounds. One visitor noted Ferne Clyffe has "clean open campground with little privacy. Well kept bathrooms and water pumps throughout," while another mentioned "water only available at few spots and you would need a really long hose to attach if open faucet available."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. Reviewers at Shawnee Forest Campground mentioned "our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps."
Electric service varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Ferne Clyffe, campers note "sites have electric" but "no water hook up at each site, only electricity."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal needs in advance. Giant City State Park "has both electric sites for campers and primitive sites for tents" with sanitary dump facilities available, while Ferne Clyffe also provides "a sanitary dump station complete the setting for campers who prefer to include a few comforts of home with their outdoor adventure."
